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System validation is available over here.
This system is based around the Intel Core i7 2960XM Extreme Edition processor, the most powerful mobile solution available on the market today. This is the first time we have taken a look at this particular processor, so we will compare against other processors we have reviewed in the past. We are also including some results from the desktop Core i5 2500k and Core i7 2600k at reference clock speeds.
Our Core i7 was supplied in a pre-overclocked state (bios setting ‘1 out of 3', but more on this later in the review).
i7-2630QM results taken from this review.
i5-2410M results taken from this review.
i7-2600K results taken from this review.
i5-2500K results taken from this review.
The 2960XM was only launched a short while ago and is clocked at 2.7ghz, with a turbo boost speed up to 3.7ghz. It is a 4 physical and 4 logical design sharing 8MB of level 3 cache. Dell offer various memory configurations, allowing for the choice of 1333mhz or 1600mhz DDR3. We opted for a 8GB 1600mhz configuration (Hyundai), which is approximately the same price as 16GB of 1333mhz memory. The memory is configured to 11-11-11-28-2T timings.
This system is equipped with two 560M processors in SLI. Dell supply the machine with 269.03 drivers, which are quite outdated and nothing newer is available from their support site. Using the Nvidia website we installed the latest beta mobility driver, revision 285.27. This driver has many more bug fixes and performance enhancements when compared against the driver supplied.
The software install is free from crapware and we are pleased to see that Alienware omitted Norton and McAfee. We installed the two CPUID applications shown in the list.
Our system included the excellent Killer Wireless-N 1103 – EUR networking card. We reviewed the N1102, over here.
Software:
Windows 7 64 Bit
SiSoft Sandra
Cinebench R11.5 64 bit
Cyberlink Media Espresso
Cyberlink PowerDVD Ultra V11
PCMark 7
Dirt 3
Total War: Shogun 2
From Dust
Dead Island
F1 2011
F.E.A.R. 3
Home Front
Kane & Lynch 2: Dog Days
Technical Monitoring and Test Equipment:
Nikon D3X and 28-70mm lens with R1C1 kit.
Olympus EPL1.
Thermal Diodes.
Raytek Laser Temp Gun 3i LSRC/MT4 Mini Temp.
Extech digital sound level meter & SkyTronic DSL 2 Digital Sound Level Mete.
All results are gained from multiple test runs to ensure any abnormalities are removed before publication. Some game description introductions are taken with courtesy from Wikipedia.
That really is insane. the price makes my wallet cry however
🙁
That is an incredible computer, kind of a dream machien for most people. Also that CPU is amazing, its like a desktop chip in a mobile package.
The 2960 extreme edition is breaking new groud, especially for mobile systems. problem is the price, its a hell of a lot more than the closest CPU which is only moderately slower (until its overclocked anyway).
The red is much nicer than the boring black IMO. the bare bones system isn’t a bad price, do you get the same panel for the entry level priced model?
How did you update the driver? my m17x says it isnt a supported device on the Nvidia site? ill have to try again with that driver you used.
This is a great laptop system, I have the m17x and love it, but im sorry I didnt buy the 18 🙁 id love dual 560m
They cost so much money, but they make a statement. I dont think this machine could be carried about however it is far too big and heavy. almost 6kg? ouch!
The appearance is spectacular, the black one looks so dull. Its interesting to see they dont charge more for the red in this range, but the lower specification machines it costs £10 extra.
They should make some with specialised Alienware skins, like they allow for on the inspiron 17 inch range, but make them all alien based transfers for the lid.
I would not pay this much money just to get so little in return. But i’m not reach and i don’t need/like laptops, if i were all that i guess i’d take it. As stands i can make a desktop that outperforms that laptop with $1k.
Sure, I think we all could, but its missing the point. its a laptop, and it looks pretty nice to me, with a very impressive screen.